We must always leave the door open for groups or people to reform. If we don't accept that people can change, what is the point of arguing, of debating, of reasoning - the bedrock of liberal, democratic politics? Yesterday's extremist is sometimes today's elected representative. That's why we should give Tommy Robinson a chance.

If we genuinely believe Tommy the EDL could become even worse - the question is will it disband into it's component parts or become more potent on the streets. It would benefit all to think we can now concentrate more on radicalisation to extreme Islamism, combating militant Islamism and Islamist ideology.

Tommy Robinson and the rarely seen but equally important Kevin Carroll are going to leave the English Defence League. It's not much of a surprise: but the resulting fall out might be. The reason, according to Tommy, is that he can't contain extreme right wing elements with the movement... Readers might be surprised to know that he is the face of the moderate wing of the EDL.

I am a firm advocate of our right to free speech in the UK. However, this right must be balanced against other human rights. And in this instance it must be balanced against the right of the people of Tower Hamlets to a peaceful home free from people whose sole aim is to create hostility and incite racial hatred.